Suicide affects people in deeply personal ways. For some, it means living through an attempt. For others, it means facing the unimaginable loss of someone they loved. Both experiences bring profound pain — and both require understanding, compassion, and informed support.

Suicide is rarely caused by a single event. It often builds over time. This post explores the spectrum of suicidal thoughts, key risk factors, and life-saving protective factors. Understanding this process is a critical step toward compassion, prevention, and hope.